# If you use the bitmaps directly or "break them apart", you'll end up making COPIES of them. This will seriously bloat the SWF file. If you use symbols, you're referring to ONE image over and over. This is much more efficient.
# Obviously, you don't want multiple copies of the SAME symbol in your library. One symbol can be used many times. It can also be flipped and rotated, so you do not need separate symbols for flipped or rotated graphics. You can also use symbols inside of other symbols. This is especially useful for invisible buttons.
# "Create Motion Tween" creates a new symbol each time it's used. That's not necessary, and will only clutter up your library. Instead, select the tween method from the properties.
# I often create folders for each symbol I intend to use. Stuff that's used as part of that symbol, goes into its folder. Things that are re-used by multiple symbols go elsewhere and are not stored in their folders.
# On the other hand, if you have LOTS of symbols containing single pictures, it can be more convenient to separate the pictures and symbols, allowing you to use the symbols without scrolling through lots of pictures.
# Control their movement with programming instead of using tweens. That way, you won't have to create more symbols just to animate them.
# ... including images used for reference. A good way to find out if something is used is to turn on "Usage Count" in the library's options. If you're using linkage ID's, their Use Count will seem to be zero, so be careful not to delete them by accident.
# Use Mono sound, especially for sound effects. Have flash compress audio as MP3 at 24 kbps or less. Anything more than that is overkill and you won't hear much difference. You can also use code to tell Flash to use streaming music. But streaming won't work if you're uploading to websites that only accept single SWF files.
# If you're using a "static" text field containing text that never changes, you don't have to worry about anything. Flash actually converts that text into vector shapes.
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If you really want a custom font in a dynamic text field, the correct way to do it is to right-click in the library and select "New Font..." Give it any name you want. I recommend putting an _ at the beginning of the name so it'll be at the top of the font list. Select the font you want, and the size you want to use. An embedded font can only use one size. Then you just set your dynamic text fields to use this custom font. But make sure they're ALWAYS set to "Use device fonts!"